Main Info
Tour Description
Meru is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro, or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro. You will hike past wildlife, the landscape is spectacular, and sunrise on the summit has Kilimanjaro as the backdrop.
While typically done in only 4 days, it is not an easy peak to summit. To reach the top, there is some scrambling on rocks in the dark and at high altitude. You should be prepared for at least 10 hours of hiking on summit day. For an easier hike, you can climb just to Rhino Point for sunrise, and then descend.
Itinerary
Day 1
Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking
After an early morning breakfast in Moshi, you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA).
You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team. Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a fresh homemade dinner for you.
Day 2
Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking
After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way, the trail will lead us to the stunning views of Mt. Meru Crater.
When you arrive at Saddle Hut (3500m), you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimate and return to Saddle hut. You will be served an early dinner so you can sleepy at 19.00 hours, before your midnight summit attempt.
Day 3
Duration: 4-6 hours of hiking
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade to Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). The last hour of the hike you will climb on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru crater and Mt. Kilimanjaro. After enjoying the incredible view you will return back to Saddle hut and have full breakfast, the rest of the day will be spend resting.
Day 4
Duration 6-8 hours of hiking
From the Saddle Hut we will descent down back to the Momella Gate from where you will be transferred to your hotel.
What is included
- Pickup and drop off to airport/hotel/Mt Meru Gate
- All National Park entry fees
- Evacuation services
- Government taxes
- Hut fees
- Qualified medical guides
- Trained Mountain Guides, assistant guides, porters and professional cooks.
- Supplementary Portable Oxygen and Complete First Aid Kit (used in case of emergency only)
- Mineral water provided daily during the climb
What is not included
- Tanzania Visa: $50 / $100 (American residents) per person on arrival at airport
- Items of personal use such as medicine, snacks etc.
- Tips for guides, porters and cook (average tip is anything from US$250 to US$ 350 per hiker – depending on number of days / how many hikers in the group and route chosen)
- Personal Hiking/Trekking gear(Some Gears are available for Rent)
- Meals, drinks and snacks not specified in hotel before and after the trek.
